Changes to FEP BCBS for 2011

I posted this on the VSG forum.   But thought this would also be helpful to put on the insurance forum.

Hello VSGers...

If you are a Fed employee it is open enrollment time.

Well I currently have FEP BCBS and began my process in August to consider surgery for early 2011.  Well since it is open enrollment, I wanted to review the changes to the plan (of course I am mainly interested in the changes regarding WLS and some others).

Well there are some changes, mainly they are  requiring a 3-month  participation in a medically supervised weight loss program, including nutritional counseling begining in January 2011

So those that are looking to have surgery early next year, please be advised of the new requirements.  They can be found on page 53 of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Services Benefit Plan. Go to your HR office or find it on-line at www.fepblue.org.


Just thought I would share...
If you have additional information please share with other FEB BCBS VSGers.

Have a good day!

Thank you for the clarification.
I am new here (my first post!) and I am changing from GEHA because they require 6 months and there are more out of pocket expenses.

Hopefully the process with BCBS will go smoothly.

Just an update. I changed back to my old plan.  BCBS is also requiring you be at 40.bmi for 2yrs and I am just hitting that bmi this year.  Bummer.

I am Fed BCBS too.  I have messed around all year and thought I could lose weight on my own and did not - so here I am.  I barely made over 40 BMI, but haven't been that for more than last year at my app't.

I am curious - I couldn't tell, but is the sleeve covered for 2011?  If it is   - then it will be worth it to me.

Thanks!

Lynn

The sleeve was covered previously, but I think it had additional requirements, such as  BMI of 45 and co-morbidity.
But for the 2011 year, I believe that additional requirement is removed.  I have not confirmed this with the insurance company but I read it on another forum.

Good luck all.